For most people, Christmas is among the best times of the year, a time to celebrate peace and goodwill, to give and receive gifts and to count our blessings.

And in many ways, Bermuda is blessed.

We are at peace and have been spared the terrible ethnic rivalries and other divisions that divide so many countries around the world.

As the recently released Census showed, we enjoy a remarkable standard of living and most people enjoy a good life.

Indeed, those Bermudians who have travelled or worked in less fortunate places will quickly point out just how good Bermuda has it.

But Bermuda has its challenges as well and these should not be taken lightly. Some are the result of the Island's prosperity. Others are shared with many other countries.

Recently, The Royal Gazette published a letter from a single working mother who was struggling to make ends meet, in spite of earning what would be considered to be a good salary in many parts of the world.

This woman remained positive and upbeat in spite of the obstacles before her. What was heartening was the response from members of the public who contacted The Royal Gazette offering to help in any way they could.

That spirit of charity and neighbourliness shows that the Bermuda community can and will pull together in times of need and dos consider itself to be its brother's keeper.

The letter writer was not alone. Many people face an increasingly hard time paying the rent, putting food on the table and making a better life for themselves and their children.

Other families have been affected by drug abuse, crime, health problems and the like.

We cannot forget that we are our brother's keeper and must help those who, through no fault of their own, are in difficulties.

Bermuda has a strong tradition of caring and of charitable work. But many charities today say that they are unable to get enough volunteers and support to carry out their missions.

To be sure, life today seems to be busier and more pressured than it ever has been. But it surely is not that much of a sacrifice to take a few hours out of a week to help the people who need it.

It is worth remembering that just about anyone who has had some success in life received a helping hand somewhere along the way. We all have an obligation to continue that tradition.

It is better to give than to receive and throughout the year, we should find ways, small and large, to help our fellow human beings.